Near Threatened

A medium-sized passerine measuring 20–22 cm in length. It has brown upperparts, rufous wings, white throat, and a dark mask around the eyes. Tail is long and rounded.

Resident endemic to the Nilgiri Hills and nearby Western Ghats in southern India.

Non-migratory; remains within montane forests year-round.

Breeds mainly from March to June. Nests are cup-shaped and built in dense undergrowth. Clutch size is typically 2–3 eggs.

Prefers shola forests and montane evergreen forests, often in dense undergrowth or along forest edges.

Found in montane forests, forest edges, and secondary growth in high-altitude regions (1,200–2,200 m). Often seen in small groups.

Omnivorous—feeds on insects, berries, small fruits, and seeds, foraging mainly in dense shrubs and leaf litter.